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Abstract - Ecotourism Impacts on the Economy, Society and Environment of Thailand
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Abstract: During the past decade, there have been a number of ecotourism studies in various disciplines to provide a knowledge foundation for sustainable tourism development. However, most prior studies have examined the contributions of the ecotourism destinations in the economic and/or environmental dimensions. Little research has investigated the contributions of the ecotourism businesses in terms of business practices and their products to the three dimensions of sustainable development. This paper examines how ecotourism tour operators and their guided tours contribute to the development of economic, social and environmental dimensions at ecotourism sites and local communities. Data were collected from ecotourism tour operators through the interview and observation methods, and the contents were analyzed in accordance with ecotourism concepts and principles. The paper reveals that the practices of tour operators and their guided tours contributed economic, social, and environmental benefits to the ecotourism destinations and local communities. Interestingly, this paper finds that the length (duration) and types of guided tours had different contributions and impacts on the three dimensions of sustainability. In particular, guided tours with a local visit contribute greater economic and social benefits to the local areas than tours without a local visit. Recommendations are provided to promote responsible ecotourism business. Keywords: Multi-fuel Allocation, Power Generation, Genetic Algorithms, Power Energy. |
Abstract - Taxi Drivers’ Cross-Cultural Communication Problems and Challenges in Bangkok, Thailand
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Abstract: This paper reports an investigation of Thai taxi drivers’ cross-cultural communication problems and challenges by synthesizing the research findings from two related studies: (1) a classroom investigation of Thai taxi drivers’ communication challenges; and (2) a study of Thai taxi drivers’ English language competence. The findings reveal that Thai taxi drivers had relatively low level of English competence, and had experienced three cross-cultural communication problems and challenges in the language, cultural, and attitudinal domains. Efforts to improve their English skills need to take into consideration the nature of their work and work conditions. Keywords: Cross-cultural communication, Thai taxi drivers, Economic growth, English language competence. |
Abstract - A Hybrid Knowledge Discovery System Based on Items and Tags
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Abstract: Exponentially increasing knowledge in a management system is the main cause of the overload problem. Development of a recommender service embedded in the management system is challenging. This paper proposes a hybrid approach by combining an item-based recommendation technique (collaborative filtering technique) with a tag-based recommendation technique (content based filtering technique). In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed hybrid approach, a group of knowledge management system users are invited as participants in the research. Participants are asked to use the prototype of a management system embedded within the knowledge recommender service for four months, which guarantees that each interaction by participants with knowledge items are recorded. A confusion matrix is used to compute accuracy of the proposed hybrid approach. The results of the experiments reveal that the hybrid approach outperforms both item-based and tag-based approaches. The hybrid approach seems to be a promising technique for a recommender service in the knowledge management system. Keywords: Collaborative Filtering, Content-based Filtering, Item-Based Recommendation, Tag-Based Recommendation, Knowledge Recommender Service. |
Abstract - Using a Game Development Platform to Improve Advanced Programming Skills
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Abstract: A computer game is one of the most efficient instructional media for improving learners’ programming skills. Implementing a game development platform or a game engine as an instruction tool provides benefits to learners. This paper observes progress in the learning process, and measures how long learners take to find solutions. The participants in the experiment were divided into two groups. The first group used traditional instructional media, such as lecturing, studying class materials, and solving assigned programming assignments. On the other hand, the second group attended the lectures, similar to the first group, and used a game development platform as instructional media to solve assigned programming assignments. The results showed that the progressive skills of the Game Development Platform learners were higher, and the problem-solving time they spent was lower. Keywords: Game Development Platform, Programming, Learning Media |
